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WNO: new music director

Still no general director, or any clarity about whether a merger with the Kennedy Center will happen or not. But by gum they've got a good music director.

Edited to add: I should make clear, since there has been some confusion, that Mo. Auguin is replacing Heinz Fricke. There is still no replacement in sight for the company's outgoing general director, Plácido Domingo.

Congratulations to Mr. Auguin. I also hope he will have the opportunity to conduct the NSO from time to time. Sadly, Heinz Fricke only conducted the NSO once, and that in a "semi-pops-like" (for lack of better term) concert. I would have loved to hear Mr. Fricke in more meaty symphonic stuff, and I would love to hear Mr. Auguin conduct the NSO in substantial repertoire as well.

Until then, we have Mr. Auguin conducting the opera in some really meaty repertoire. Looking forward Salome - I will attend Monday's representation.

One more thought: I do hope Mr. Auguin does conduct the majority of the performances at the opera starting the next season. Thankfully, he will move to the Washington area. One thing about Heinz Fricke is that, even when the season had 7 or 8 operas, he conducted at most 3 in one season (I kind-of seem to recall that there was one season in which he conducted 4, but even if it were the case, it was the exception.)

If we are back to 7 or 8 operas, I hope Mr. Auguin conducts 4 or 5 of them, as the orchestra does need strong leadership - which Mr. Auguin does provide. With 5 operas, I hope Mr. Auguin conducts at least 3 of them.

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